Exercise not as risky for breast cancer patients with lymphedema as previously thought
While breast cancer patients can boost their efforts to fight the disease if they buy Canadian Tamoxifen, survivors still have to be mindful of potential health complications.
While breast cancer patients can boost their efforts to fight the disease if they buy Canadian Tamoxifen, survivors still have to be mindful of potential health complications. One potential problem is lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling. While some people used to believe that physical activity can induce or aggravate this complication for breast cancer survivors, new research from the University of Missouri suggests that this may not be the case.
A team of scientists conducted a literature review of studies on the relationship between exercise and lymphedema, which is usually a consequence of surgical or radiation treatment in the lymph nodes during cancer therapy.
The team concluded that breast cancer survivors who exercise are at no greater risk for lymphedema than those who do not exercise, as published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship. Furthermore, physical activity does not aggravate the condition in patients who already have it.
"Exercise can be beneficial and not harmful for breast cancer survivors," said researcher Jane Armer. "Each individual should balance the pros and cons of the activity she chooses, but keep in mind that being sedentary has risks and being active is beneficial in many ways, including possibly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence."
Further research is needed to see whether exercise can actually prevent lymphedema, the researchers said, adding that it may be helpful to practice resistance exercises under supervision.
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